How Far Can a Car Run When the Oil Level is Low?
3 Answers
When the oil level is low, the car should not continue to run. The first step should be to open the engine compartment and check the oil. While driving, it is essential to monitor whether all indicators are normal. Below is a detailed introduction about car driving: Overview: Car driving is one of the basic skills that modern people need to master. To acquire car driving (driving-a-motor-vehicle) skills, one must meet the required age and physical conditions, and undergo training and examinations on road traffic safety laws and regulations, basic knowledge of automobile mechanics, and safe driving practices. Others: The permission to drive a vehicle is granted through the issuance of a driver's license. This indicates that obtaining a driver's license is a formal procedure that must be issued by a specialized authority.
With over a decade of auto repair experience, I've witnessed countless cases of engine failure due to driving with insufficient oil. When oil levels drop below the minimum mark, metal components in the engine experience direct friction, accelerating wear every minute. Typically, from the moment the warning light comes on, urban driving might sustain for 20 kilometers at most, while highway driving could stretch to 30 kilometers—but this is gambling with the engine's life. At any moment, cylinder scoring or bearing seizure could occur. Last month, a customer drove 15 kilometers to the shop with the oil light on, only for us to find the engine filled with metal shavings upon disassembly. The repair costs amounted to half the price of a new car. Take my advice: if you notice low oil levels, pull over and turn off the engine immediately. Either top up the oil to the midpoint or call for a tow truck.
I'm extremely meticulous about car maintenance. Last week when I noticed the oil dipstick reached the minimum mark, my palms immediately got sweaty. Friends often say you can still drive for a while, but I know an engine without lubrication is like a human losing blood. Short-distance moves might be okay, but every kilometer driven adds another scratch to the piston rings. The mechanic at my last service said modern engines are so precise that running just 10km low on oil could cause permanent cylinder wall damage. Now I always keep 1 liter of oil in my car - if the oil warning light comes on, I never take chances. Either I top it up immediately or call roadside assistance. Saving money on engine repairs isn't worth the stress - I'd rather spend that money on taxis for peace of mind.
